Does your dog start to seem itchier after giving them a flea treatment? If so, it is crucial to understand the cause. The most pressing concern is determining if your dog is having an allergic reaction to the flea medication you are using. If so, you need to speak with your vet about changing the type of flea medication you use. Signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction:
· The itching is new and starts within 24 hours of giving the flea medication.
· Your dog develops red skin or hot spots.
· The dog starts to lick or bite at certain places on his skin obsessively. Licking and biting may lead to hair loss at the site.
Causes of itching after flea treatment:
It is also possible that your dogs’ flea treatment is not working, and fleas are the cause of their itching. You can determine this by checking your dog carefully for fleas after administering the flea medication. Carefully part your dog’s hair, especially in flea prone areas like the base of the tail and on their bellies and search for signs of active fleas or flea eggs.
If you continue to see active fleas after the medication should have taken effect, the medication you are using may not be effective. There are numerous types of flea treatment, so talk to your vet about trying a different kind of treatment.
Your dog may have a flea allergy. If your dog is allergic to fleas, the itching will continue for some time after eliminating fleas. If the allergy is severe, the dog may continue to itch if even one or two fleas can bite. You may have to take extra preventative measures like treating your home and yard for fleas.
The itching may not be related to fleas or flea treatment at all. The dog may have contracted mange. Mange is an infestation with microscopic insects that burrow into the skin to feed and live. Constant itching and loss of hair, especially in areas such as the elbows, groin, and armpits are symptoms of mange.
Seasonal allergies can also cause constant itching in dogs. Regular grooming, an air filtration system, and limiting the time spent outdoors can all help manage the symptoms of seasonal allergies.
Food allergies are also common in dogs. Food allergies are notoriously difficult to diagnose. Your vet will probably suggest an elimination diet, which requires strict adherence. Once you identify the offending ingredients, your dog will need a special diet to control his food allergies.
Treating Itching:
No one wants to see their pet suffer from the misery of itching. If your dog is scratching continuously and seems miserable, there are things you can do to bring relief.
· Use an itch relief shampoo. Pet stores sell a variety of anti-itch shampoos. Those with all-natural ingredients are the safest option for your pet. Look for shampoos that contain moisturizing and anti-inflammatory ingredients such as oatmeal and argon oil.
· Use a mixture of half apple cider vinegar and half water in a spray bottle. Spray the itchy places on your dog and prevent licking until dry. Do not use apple cider vinegar on open wounds or raw skin. It is painful and could cause the problem to worsen.
· If your dog has short hair, you can use a baking soda paste to relieve itching and dry up rashes. Make a paste of one-half baking soda and one-half water and apply it to the skin. Let the paste dry and leave on for approximately twenty minutes, then rinse off with warm water.
· Use a commercial itch relief spray. Consult your vet about the best and safest brand to use.
Add Omega 3 fatty acids to your dog’s diet. You can also break the capsules and apply them directly to itchy spots on the skin. Omega 3 acts as a natural anti-inflammatory and also helps treat dry skin. Dry skin can lead to overall itchiness.
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